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Frequently Asked Questions - South Africa

ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?

Yes, (if you are booking from the UK) all flights, international and domestic, are included in the price of your tour.

How do I book?

The tours can be booked online, by email, or over the phone on: +44 (0)5603 666788. To secure a place you will be asked to put down a deposit of £700.00 and payment can be made by card, cheque, or bank transfer.

CAN I BOOK FROM OUTSIDE THE UK?

Yes. If you are booking from outside the UK, please contact us and we will provide you with a non-flight price.

CAN I TAKE A DIFFERENT FLIGHT?

You can, but we may have to add a surcharge if you are not on the group flight. Please contact us for details.

Where do I get a visa?

For most nationalities, including EU citizens, a tourist visa is issued free of charge at your port of entry. It is, however, your responsibility to check current regulatuons.

What other paperwork do I need?

WHERE DO the bikes come from?

We own and manage our own fleet of bikes.

WHat happens if i damage the bike?

If you damage the bike, you will be charged for the damage up to the amount of your excess. On all our bikes, the excess is £1000, so in the event of a mishap you will not be charged more than this amount. If the damage is less than this amount, then you will only be charged for that damage.

If you have damaged the bike near to this total, we may ask you to place a further deposit before continuing.

DO I NEED INSURANCE?

Yes, you need travel insurance to cover you for the period of the tour. This insurance must cover you to ride the bike you have booked. Blazing Trails has an agreement with Endsleigh Insurance who provide reasonably priced policies with the requisite cover.

Where should I change money?

We would advise that you change some money on arrival at the airport. ATMs are widespread and an efficient way to get hold of cash. Credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere.

why did the mexican push his wife off the cliff?

Tequila.

How much spending money will I need?

About £300-£400 should cover food, drink, petrol and sundries.

Will I have to share a room?

Yes, unless you pay a supplement. Even then, single rooms may not be available at some stops as the hotels we use are popular, or in some cases small, and we have to book our accommodation some time in advance.

What standard is the accommodation?

It varies widely (and tour-to-tour), but is always clean and the best we can find in the area for a reasonable price in a suitable setting. We are always in clean, comfortable hotels and guesthouses.

Will we have electricity?

Yes, but you may need a travel plug adaptor.

How much riding experience do I need?

We would recommend only booking a tour with us if you have a full licence (compulsory) and have at least a year's recent riding experience. The main criterion, however, is confidence.

Is riding in south africa dangerous?

Riding anywhere carries with it a degree of risk, as does riding in South Africa. However, with light traffic and good roads, we would suggest that riding in South Africa is no more dangerous than a tour in Europe. For more information on the riding side of things see 'Riding' in the 'About South Africa' section of this site. If any rider joining us rides in a manner we suspect will endanger themselves, or others, or indeed displays antisocial behaviour, they will receive one warning. If they continue to display a threat to the safety or enjoyment of others on the tour, they will be excluded from the remainder (with no refund given, see terms and conditions).

How fast will we be riding?

We will be riding 'progressively', at or around the speed limit and according to conditions. Most South African roads outside built-up areas have a 75mph speed limit - fast enough on the twisties. There are fixed cameras and mobile speed traps in towns...

Do I have to book my own flights?

No, we do that for you and forward the ticket by email.

Can I use the bike in the evenings?

No, you can't ride independently of the tour group, sorry.

How fit do I need to be?

No fitter than you would have to be to tour Europe.

Can I take a pillion?

Yes.

How much luggage can I bring?

You are limited by most airlines, so check with the carrier. However, we suggest you pack as lightly and in as compact a form as possible. Space may be tight, we insist you bring soft luggage.

How much luggage should I bring?

Keep it minimal. One set of riding kit for the tour and a couple of sets of clothes for the evening. You can always pick up cheap clothing locally and there are laundry facilities at two-night stops. Leave some space for shopping you do in SA.

Isn't south africa A Dangerous crime hell?

While South Africa has had some pretty bad press in recent years for violent crime, very little of this nature happens in the tourist areas through which we will be travelling. And, as ever, the media tends to sensationalize the bad and ignore the good. Being guided through the 'right' areas in a group greatly mitigates the chances of encountering unpleasantness. Petty crime - pick-pocketing and theft - happens, as it does in virtually all tourist destinations with a wide gulf between rich and poor. A few simple precautions, like keeping your wallet/docs in an inside pocket and leaving nothing unattended on the bike, should mean a trouble-free tour. You will be briefed on sensible measures prior to setting off.

Do I need a towel?

If you're wet, yes. They are provided throughout the tour.

Is food included in the price?

Only some meals (check your tour for details). We prefer that where there are choices you make your own on what and where you eat. You will find South African food of a very high standard and good value.

Is it safe to enter a cage full of cheetahs?

Not really, but it's quite exciting and they are very pretty.

Are laundry facilities available on-tour?

They are, but not every night. Check the itinerary of your tour - you will be able to get clothes cleaned at two-night stops, so consider this when packing.

Do I need waterproofs?

I want to see a lion, will I, will I, go on, please?

Maybe, maybe not, but if you take part in a safari at Kruger, St Lucia, or Addo Elephant Reserve you will certainly see some interesting wildlife and landscapes.

Will there be a mozzie problem?

Not really. There may be a few around, but you won't be plagued. Bring some repellent. South Africa is mainly malaria-free, but for advice on anti-malarials consult your doctor (take the itinerary with you).

what's the difference between a gnu and a wildebeest?

You can't paddle a wildebeest.

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

No.

IS IT SAFE TO swim in the sea?

Depends on whether there are any great whites around. We would advise you to ask locally - and then go and get a beer instead.